A Wake-Up Call for Aruba’s Telecom Market: Time for Fair Competition
The Aruba Fair Trade Authority (AFTA) has issued a preliminary assessment that could reshape the island’s telecom landscape.
This came after the Minister of Economic Affairs and Communications requested that AFTA issue advice on an advice prepared by the Dutch bureau Stratix presented to the Government on the 5G fee structure proposed by Stratix. AFTA finds that SETAR is a telecom provider with a dominant market position. As such, SETAR must provide third parties access to its networks at cost-oriented (wholesale). For almost 25 years, SETAR has refused access to its mobile networks, land-based fiber optics, and submarine cables. These are essential for smaller operators to compete, but competition has been blocked without access, limiting prices and options – a clear misuse of the dominant position.
The AFTA also found that Stratix’s opinion contained harmful competition recommendations for the government. This is remarkable for a company that lists the Dutch Competition Authority as a client.
This finding is a first step, but as a community, we hope it pushes AFTA to go further and address other abuses that have been reported. Despite being SETAR’s sole shareholder, the government must stand for fair competition. If not now, then when?
Aruba deserves a fair telecom market where practices are scrutinized and consumers benefit from better prices and choices.
Imagine:
✅ Lower prices for everyone
✅ More innovative and reliable services
✅ Real competition in the market
It’s time for AFTA to examine whether SETAR’s practices are fair. Will AFTA take the next step to investigate further, or will SETAR voluntarily reassess its practices and embrace a more open market? Or will SETAR be allowed to continue to misuse its dominant position in the telecom market?
What do you think? 💬 Let’s discuss in the comments!
Read the full advice here
